Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011
BOISE, Idaho--Sophomore Rayvonte Rice led Drake with 19 points and five rebounds in a 108-64 loss to Boise State on Wednesday night at Taco Bell Arena.
The Bulldogs fell to 4-3 while the Broncos improved to 5-1.
Box Score | Updated Statistics
Boise State shot 61% from the field (36-59), and was even better from three-point range, at 64% (14-22).
"Boise State played terrific, especially on the offensive end," said head coach Mark Phelps. "We knew coming into the game that they're really good on offense. Their offensive numbers were good and they shoot the ball well from three, from several positions, and they really are a good passing team. I think that's what sets them apart."
Junior Ben Simons (Cadillac, Mich.) was next in scoring with 14 points, behind 4-of-5 shooting from three-point range, and matched Rice's team-leading total with five rebounds. It was the fourth time this season Simons has made at least four three-pointers in a game.
Trailing 45-23 at halftime, Drake cut the Boise State lead to 17 at 62-45, but the Broncos went on a 13-2 run to end the threat and never looked back.
Freshman Judd Welfringer (Waukee, Iowa) started the second half and gave Drake a boost of energy, making two three-pointers and playing aggressively on the defensive end. He finished with six points and one rebound before fouling out.
"I thought Judd did a terrific job competing," Phelps said. "He hit a couple shots for us; we know he can shoot the ball, and I thought he gave us a spark, especially to start the second half.
The Bulldogs shot 43% for the game (22-51), including 8-of-18 accuracy from behind the arc. Boise State posted a decisive 42-24 advantage on the boards.
Drake led 8-6 early after Rice (Champaign, Ill.) hit his second three-point shot at the 14:48 mark of the first half, but Boise State went on a 10-0 run to take control of the game. Behind hot three-point shooting the Broncos turned it into a 16-3 run for a 22-11 lead.
The Bulldogs fought back to cut the lead to 26-20 before the Broncos again heated up from three-point range and closed the first half on a 19-3 run for a 45-23 first-half lead. Boise State shot 8-13 from behind the arc in the first 20 minutes to fuel the scoring frenzy.
"The biggest problem for us tonight was on defense," Phelps added. "They had us running around, and they got started early with threes. They put two terrific offensive halves together. We have to move on and get ready to play a very good Air Force team on Saturday."
The Bulldogs return home to face Air Force Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the Knapp Center in the Missouri Valley Conference/Mountain West Conference Challenge Series. For tickets please call (515) 271-DOGS or purchase online at www.GoDrakeBulldogs.com.
"We're extremely disappointed but we have to put it behind us as quickly as possible and be ready to play on Saturday night."
